Acrylic and glitter on canvas

65×100 cm. 25 5/8×39 3/8 in.

Signed in English and dated on bottom right
EXHIBITED
19 – 23 Oct 2023, ART TAIPEI 2023, Taipei

PROVENANCE
Soka Art, Taipei
Private Collection, Asia

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Taipei Soka Contemporary Art Space, Ltd. signed by the artist

Eat Well!
Lin Bao Ling's Humour and Wit

Born in Taipei in the 1980s, Lin Bao Ling moved to Singapore with his parents when he was 15. He graduated from Lasalle College of the Arts in Singapore in 2006 and completed his PhD at Taiwan Normal University's Department of Fine Arts between 2012 and 2015, achieving excellent results. Since 2006, he has featured the "Nameless Little Guy" as the main character in his works. This character, just like a real person, faces challenges and sadness but also experiences joy and friendship, deeply resonating with viewers. In 2010, Lin received the 2010-2011 Freeman Foundation Asian Artists' Fellowship from the Vermont Studio Center. His works have been exhibited in Taipei, New York, Shanghai, and Singapore, and are collected by institutions including the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, Amerasia Bank Gallery in New York, and Singapore Telecommunications.

Contentment and Happiness

In Lin Bao Ling's early works, "Little Guy" is often depicted alone in mysterious, outdoor settings during chilly, muted nights. However, in Eat Well, the scene shifts to a warm, indoor environment where he enjoys a hearty meal with his friend, Sunflower, celebrating life's simple joys. The painting features detailed elements such as Chinese-style rattan chairs, a cozy kotatsu, and vibrant green plants outside the window, recalling happy memories of Lin's childhood in Taiwan and adding a sense of warmth. The scene shows the "Little Guy" and Sunflower eating joyfully, their faces glowing with smiles. "Little Guy" humourously wears an ancient emperor's crown, accentuating his playful sovereignty. On the left side of the painting, a little mouse, drawn to the feast, eagerly hoping to join. The warm yellow light on the right adds a layer of warmth to the scene, giving it a dream-like quality.

The literal translation of the Chinese title of this work is "Eating is as important as an emperor," It emphasizes that nothing should interfere with mealtime. Lin uses this phrase to remind viewers that regardless of one's status or wealth, everyone should savor the pure joy of eating at that moment. He conveys universal care through the innocent style of cartoons, fostering a sense of contentment and happiness in life.

Price estimate:
HKD 25,000 – 45,000
USD 3,200 – 5,800

Auction Result:
HKD: 86,400